FDBusiness.com

ABP Food Group, one of Europe’s largest beef processors, has announced the first deal to supply beef to the United States since the 15-year ban on European beef was lifted. The deal represents the first sale of Irish beef into the US since Ireland became the first EU country to regain access to the market.

ABP has agreed to source the beef to Sysco Metro New York and Sysco Boston, initially focusing on steak houses and restaurants in those markets. The relationship between ABP and Sysco’s New York and Boston distribution centres was facilitated by Ireland-based Pallas Foods, a subsidiary of Sysco Corporation. When fully protracted, the agreement could be valued at up to €15 million per year with first shipments expected to commence in March this year.

“We look forward to developing and growing our partnership with Sysco who will be key in helping us bring our sustainable, grass fed, hormone free Irish beef to the plates of US consumers,” says Paul Finnerty, chief executive of ABP Food Group. “Our initial focus will be on the Northeastern region of the US where we will concentrate on establishing Irish beef in a sustainable and measured way. I would also like to commend the work of the Minister, the Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia in helping to achieve the significant milestone for the Irish beef sector.”